How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean
Air ducts are a great place to collect dust, mildew and mold growth, and other particles. The contaminants are then distributed throughout the house. If your allergies are getting worse or you are smelling an unpleasant odor, it may be time to schedule a home cleaning.
Sheet metal ducts increase energy efficiency due to their sturdy and virtually impervious to rust. Flexible aluminum ducts are suitable for use in tight spaces and are cheap. However they are susceptible to damage from pests.
Leaks
Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape which can lower the efficiency of energy in homes. Leaks are most common when duct segments connect particularly at joints. The ducts can become loose and split in time due to aging, gravity and other factors. Sealing these connections can stop air leakage. However, it’s best to hire a professional HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.
You can check for signs of duct leaks by conducting an inspection in your attic, basement and crawlspaces, where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Look for areas where the ducts are kinked or crushed which indicates obstruction and should be sealed. Check to see if the seams or joints are warm. Also, pay attention to any whistling sound when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct probably exist in that area.
Unsuspecting hot and cold spots are another indication of a leaky air duct. This is because air leaks can prevent the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.
Gaps in ductwork can also spread dust throughout the house even when the household activities aren’t changing. Dust mites, mould spores and other allergens may cause asthma and allergies in family members.
In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts can also let toxic fumes enter the living area. If you keep paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for example, leaking ductwork can send these chemicals into your living space and expose your family members to fumes. This is particularly dangerous for children or elderly people living in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that will detect the harmful gases and alert you to their presence in the air.
High Humidity
In hot, humid climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is a serious issue, as sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to get into homes, which can lead to mold growth and poor air quality. There are many things homeowners can do to lower humidity and ensure that ductwork is dry.
The first thing to do is limit water use in the home as much as is possible. Reduce the amount of water you use to cook, bathe and aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners should also make use of a dehumidifier to keep their home drier.
It is also essential to regularly examine the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. If there are problems the ducts must be cleaned and sealed by professionals.
Another common problem with ductwork is leakage. This is typically because of improperly installed joints or seals, which could cause cracks and gaps. This is prevented by using top-quality metals and ensuring that all joints and connections are correctly installed.
Air ducts are made of a variety of materials and each type has different characteristics that affect the way they perform. Polyester air ducts are least expensive, but they have the shortest lifespan and are more susceptible to damage from pests and the elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a bit more expensive, but they last longer and can repel pests.
Airflow can be impeded by furniture, toys, and other objects. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow as well as the energy efficiency of your system.
Blocked ducts may also cause uneven heating and cooling in older buildings that have poorly designed ductwork.
If a homeowner believes they have a leakage or humidity issue, they should call an experienced HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork and make recommendations for any repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is easily accessible, since this will impact how quickly and how much the professional can complete the job.
Mold
Warm temperatures and moisture can create mold to develop in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates a climate that is moist and ideal for the growth of mold. The spores are then circulated through your HVAC system throughout your home which causes allergic reactions in household members.
The presence of mold around the vents is a good indication that you should hire a professional HVAC for cleaning your AC. Black dust particles are often an indication of the growth of mold. If the area appears to be slimy or wet, it’s a clear sign that there is a serious issue. If there is a musty odor it is also an indication of a mold spore.
It is also possible to detect mold by torn or damaged air insulation in ducts, tears on the vent covers, rodent droppings, and cockroach shells. If the issue is severe, then you may even notice decaying wood and sagging metal.
The most popular kind of mold found in air ducts is Stachybotrys which can cause toxic mold. It is usually found on drywall and wood surfaces but can also grow in the spaces between the rafters and the walls of your home. Stachybotrys can lead to allergies, irritation to the eyes, nose and throat and respiratory problems.
Mold in air ducts can cause wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Children and the elderly may have more severe symptoms. Mold in air ducts may also trigger nausea headaches, fatigue, and nausea.
Homeowners can clean small areas of mold in their air ducts. However, it is not recommended to clean large areas of mold. The safety concerns are the main reason. Mold spores are quickly spread across the air and are very difficult to eradicate when they begin to grow. There is no assurance that the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and keep it from returning. A professional can safely remove mold from air ducts and guarantee that it does not return.
The best way to prevent mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are changed frequently and that the ducts are cleaned every few years. These steps will help stop moisture and condensation which could encourage the growth of mold.
Allergens
Allergies can make summertime activities miserable and leave you with itchy eyes, swollen noses and a general feeling of discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is a crucial aspect of battling allergies, and your air conditioning ducts could be a perfect breeding ground for the triggers that cause your symptoms.
Allergy triggers include dust mites mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can be tracked into your Fridley home on clothes or shoes and later scattered throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles could be spread throughout the house due to leaks in ductwork.
A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is a great way to fight allergies. A professional duct cleaning service will eliminate these particles and help you breathe better.
A dirty air duct may also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen your allergies. These bacteria are spread by the air that flows through your ducts and into your home’s vents.
If the ducts get dirty, bacteria can build up within them and circulate throughout your home whenever you turn on the air conditioner. This can cause respiratory problems and can cause more serious illnesses in certain cases.
Many people, especially in the spring and early summer months are able to bring allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes, on their clothes and shoes. This is the most unpleasant time of year to deal with these kinds of things, and they’re likely to settle in places where they will not be disturbed until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are one of these areas, and if they’re not regularly cleaned the allergens can remain in the air vents until you switch on your heating or cooling system.
Dirty air ducts pose a major problem for homeowners. They can lead to higher energy bills, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these issues by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians will use a pressurized sealant to stop air from entering through ductwork that is leaky.